Karneval Kickoff!

This week we had our German final exam. I have found that I am fairly capable of doing everyday things like buying things, asking for directions, and meeting people. I think we have all gotten quite good at the German that we use frequently. I do wish we could have had more German classes though. Maybe this would be a possibility for future AIB groups.

This Thursday was the beginning of Karneval! We met up at AIB early in the morning and got into our costumes and hung out and took pictures. As early as 8:30 in the morning, everyone I saw outside and on the tram was in an elaborate costume and holding a beer! When we got to AIB, Dr. Wasser gave all the guys in our group ties and all the girls scissors so we would not miss out on the tradition of cutting ties! We all walked together to Bonn-Beuel where Karneval begins. The wash women of Beuel “take over” the city and there is a huge parade. We were hit by tons of candy and danced to Karneval music and watched the parade. After the parade, everyone parties! It felt weird to be dancing in bars at noon and to walk outside and have daylight. We got tired pretty early because the partying started so early. I couldn’t believe that people were able to do this for five days! But it was a ton of fun. Alaaf!